Jean Alesi to take on the Indy 500 with Lotus

Scheduled for 27 May 2012, Group Lotus brand
ambassador Jean Alesi will make his return to
competitive racing flying the flag for Group
Lotus at the world’s biggest motorsport race –
the 96th Indy 500.

Despite his considerable experience, Jean has
never before taken on competitive oval racing.
Following a 12 year stint in F1 from 1989 to
2001, Alesi moved onto DTM racing and then last
year made his most recent competitive race
appearance in the Le Mans Series. In January
2011 he joined Group Lotus as a brand ambassador
and development consultant on the F1 customer
race car, the T125. Although never straying far
from the race track, the Indy 500 and oval
racing represent completely new challenges for
Jean.

Commenting on the announcement Jean Alesi said:
“I’m thrilled that Lotus has given me the
opportunity to compete in such a world famous
race. It’s going to be a very special experience
for me but I also know that I have a lot of hard
work ahead. I’m very focused on the task I’m
facing – I’m taking my training very seriously,
I have some amazing support on this front from a
‘comeback’ expert and of course I will be
testing extensively. I’m really excited about
the race.”

Jean’s development role with Group Lotus will
stand him in good stead as he prepares for his
new challenge as he will be competing in a Lotus
powered by the new Lotus IndyCar engine.
Development of the 2.2l twin turbo V6 is going
to schedule with the first engine fire up set
for mid October and track testing planned
December.

Group Lotus Director of Corporate Operations
Gino Rosato said: “IndyCar racing represents a
really important element of our overall
motorsport program. The Indy 500 is the
highlight of the race calendar, the atmosphere
is always incredible and having Jean racing for
us there will make it extra special.”